BUILD February 2017

68 BUILD / February 2017 , Skyscrapers, bridges, wireless technology, etc. are all things that most of us ponder from afar with some fascination. Glen Coben, however, grewup with a father whose engineering projects caught his imagination and passion early in life and inspired him to be part of the building process. Recently awarded, ‘Ones toWatch in American Architecture’, we caught up with the founder of the firmGlen Coben to find out more about this award-winning, NewYork City-based architecture firm. Building Success Please give me an overview of your company and the services/ products you provide. We are an award-winning, New York City-based architecture and design firm who focuses on hospitality projects. When undertaking a new client or project what approach do you use to ensure the best possible outcome? Communication with our clients is the key. As story-tellers, we need all of the information, from what inspires our clients to what motivates them. What sets you apart from other companies in this industry? What marks you out as the best option for your clients? We don’t bring our style into the conversation. Each and every project gets its personality from the client’s wants, wishes and desires. We are excellent listeners and collaborators! Within the wider industry, how do you distribute your knowledge and experience (for example, do you speak at industry conferences or write literature on your area of expertise)? I speak at industry conferences, lecture at select Universities and meet as often as I can with young, up and coming designers to mentor them. What are your overall aims and what strategies do you employ to achieve these? I love what I do for a living. I hope it shows! How do you make sure you create innovative solutions to maintain your success? Travel. Read. Visit museums, galleries, keep an open mind and sketch a lot! What has been your most successful project to date? What has been the most important thing you have learnt from working on this? Each and every project is unique! Our most recent restaurant is Gabriel Kreuther. The hotel I am most pleased with is the Archer New York. What does the future have in store for your industry? How do you see your market changing over the next 12 months? I don’t have a crystal ball, so I look forward to whatever surprises are in store for us! I think technology will continue to allow us to push the envelope in how we communicate and show our designs to clients. Also, 3-D printing seems like it may be helpful someday. What are your future aspirations for your company? Do you have any plans or projects you would be willing to share with us? I would love to bring our ability to shape environments and how people interact with their spaces and bring them into areas where we can have influence, such as senior living. I would also love to take our restaurant experience and get involved with larger stadium and university work. Do you have anything further to add? I would love to open an office in Europe! K Company: Glen & Co Architecture Name: Glen Coben Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.glenandcompany.com Address: 276 Fifth Avenue, Suite 204, New York, NY 10001 Telephone: + 1 212 689 2779 1702BU38 Architecture & Design